Sai Kung Magazine March 2012

BIG PLANS REVEALED The future for Sai Kung

March 2012

Kellett School news Organic food Wild Asia

Where to buy art How to stop a barking dog

March 2012

the planner

Feature

4 Happening in March Sevens, spas and shamrocks.

18 A five-star future?

Simon Parry investigates Sai Kung’s hotel saga.

Letters

Hikes

8 Have your say A call to re-open Ho Chung school and more.

24 Boots does boats Jackie Peers sails to Lai Chi Chong and strolls to Sham Chung.

Education 34 What next for Kellett?

School principal Ann McDonald tells all.

GARDENING 44 Reap what you sow Summer flowers and vegetables.

FAMILY 36 Rainy days & Mondays Explore Russian art at Anastassia.

Marketplace 45 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

BIRD AT MY WINDOW

News 10 What’s going on?

The lastest from our neck of the woods Vines in Sai Kung 12 Mr Developer vs Mr Grassland Debating the future of Sai Kung.

INTERVIEW 14 Rugby’s pin-up boy Tackling Rowan Varty, captain of the Hong Kong Sevens squad.

Local 16 Barking mad!

How to shut the neighbour’s dogs up.

EATING 26 Eat your greens Organic deliveries, plus Sai Kung’s stylish new restaurant.

PROPERTY 28 Rustic residence A touch of the countryside on the 30th floor.

Interiors 32 Fill your walls Personalised art that won’t break the bank.

Health & Beauty 38 Path to well-being Why yoga and ayurveda make a powerful combo.

Pets 40 Dog breath The root causes of canine halitosis.

49 Large hawk cuckoo David Diskin listens up.

ON PATROL 51 Bumper to bumper Senior Inspector Grace Mak on a traffic-free Sai Kung.

Classifieds 52 Local property, holiday lets And other random stuff.

Travel 42 Wild Asia From rhinos in India to Mongolia’s gazelle migration.

LAST ORDERS 54 Film studies Of books and movies.

"VNO MATTER HOW LONG THE WINTER, SPRING IS SURE TO FOLLOW"

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planner

happening in march

MAR 10

Plover Cove Charity Walk

Join Sai Kung magazine columnist and Walk Hong Kong founder Jackie Peers on a 12km hike in Plover Cove to raise money for Orangutan Aid’s “Buy a Rainforest” campaign. Bus departs 8.30am, returning at 4.30pm.

Entry $320 from jackie@jackiepeers.com or by calling 9121 1470.

Mar 1 AguaPlus Pub Quiz

Form a team of six and join the quiz with questions on China, 2011, literature, music and sport. Great prizes, more kudos. 8pm, 77 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2030.

Mar 1-3 Peter Brook’s A Magic Flute

The visionary director re-imagines the Mozart opera. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $100-$600 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Mar 1-8 Hong Kong Arts Festival Last chance to see this year’s world-class performances and events. Highlights include Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, “A Magic Flute” and Music About China VI. Details at www.hk.artsfestival.org.

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Mar 1-12 Fashion Visionaries

Retrospective of 50 years of the Hong Kong fashion industry. Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, 2180 8188, www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk.

Mar 8 Roxette Live in Hong Kong

Listen to your heart. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $480-$880 from www.hkticketing. com, 2989 9239.

Mar 7, 21 Hebe One O One Quiz Nights

Get the grey matter working. 8.30pm, 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5155.

Mar 5-18 Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival 2012 Local and international children’s book authors, including Eoin Colfer (“Artemis Fowl”) and Mem Fox (“Possum Magic”), feature in Hong Kong’s first literary festival for the under-14s, with meet-the-author events, workshops and more. For details, visit www. youngreadersfestival.org.hk or call 2877 9770.

Sai Kung

For over 30 years Woodland has set the standard in Hong Kong for quality pre-school education. With ten schools, Woodland offers classes for children aged up to six years.

 Pre-School  Early Pre-School  Extra Curricular Clubs  Buses available for neighbouring areas For further information please contact Mrs. Deirdre Hamilton at 2813 0290: Shop D, G/F Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung.

Tel: 2813 0290 Email: saikung@woodlandschools.com

www.woodlandschools.com

march Mar 10 Meet Bob the Builder at Dymocks Sai Kung

Bob the Builder is holding a meet-and-greet with his young fans and promoting his upcoming appearance in The Little Big Club Live In Concert alongside Barney, Thomas the Tank Engine, Pingu, Angelina Ballerina and more (Apr 6-9, KITEC, tickets $100-$500 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288). Free entry, noon4pm, Dymocks, 7 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 9110.

Mar 14 Duran Duran – All You Need is Love

Rewind to the 80s with Simon Le Bon and the Rio boys. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau.

Tickets $500-$1,088 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Mar 15 International Pole Championship

Mar 16-25 Hong Kong Flower Show

The world’s best pole dancers take to the stage in a dance off at the HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Tickets $300-$700 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Mar 18 Mothering Sunday

A blooming marvellous display of fragrant and exotic plants, plus guided tours, stalls and a photo competition. 9am-9pm, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay. Entry $7-$14.

Details at 2601 8260.

The Christian celebration of motherhood is also Mother’s Day in Britain.

Mar 11 Outward Bound Adventure Race

After a brief flirtation with a route on Hong Kong Island, the hard-core team event returns to Sai Kung for a 14km race, including trail running, gorging, kayaking and orienteering. Starts 7am, Wai Man Playground, Sai Kung. Details at www.outwardbound.org.hk, 2792 4333.

Mar 18 Il Divo & Orchestra In Concert

Simon Cowell’s operatic boy band. Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $380-$1,280 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Mar 11 Karl Woodbury book signing

Meet Karl Woodbury, author of new children’s book “Hong Kong is Truly a Magical Place”, 3pm-5pm, The Reading Room, 21 Hai Pang Street, Sai Kung, 9021 2397.

Mar 14 ArtWalk

A fun meander around the finest galleries in town, checking out the art, wine, finger food and each other. 5pm-midnight. Tickets $450 (students $150) from www.hongkongartwalk.com, 9758 0048.

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Mar 17 St Patrick’s Day

The original reason to go green, begorrah.

Mar 21-Apr 5 Hong Kong International Film Festival

Showing more than 330 movies from international blockbusters to avantgarde indies, including foreign-language Oscar nominees “Monsieur Lazhar”, “Footnote” and “In Darkness” (pictured). Full programme and tickets at www.hkiff.org.hk.

Mar 21-22 GFI HKFC Tens Tournament

Hong Kong rugby’s holy week starts here with a two-day, 10-a-side international competition at Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley. From 10am. Free entry on Mar 21, tickets $100 on Mar 22, available in advance from john@laxtonmarketing.com.

Mar 23 Christina Noble Children’s Foundation Ladies Long Lunch

Warm up for the Sevens at a decadent fundraiser with a three-course lunch, freeflowing drinks, auctions, rugby fashion show, prizes and a cheeky quiz. Hong Kong Jockey Club, Happy Valley. Sold out, but book now for next year at 2832 2186 or hongkong@cncf.org.

Mar 24 Sai Kung Saturday Hash

Mar 23-25 Hong Kong Sevens

March 25 Chief Executive election

Mar 30-Apr 1 Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians

The local hash has a birthday to celebrate on its monthly hare around the countryside.

Find out more at sites.google.com/site/ saikungsaturdayh3.

The “democratic” (s)election of Hong Kong’s CE. Our money is on Beijing’s man.

Tone up the muscles (right arm, dancing feet), tune up the vocal chords and get ready to party – the world’s largest rugby sevens tournament is here. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay. Details at www.hksevens.com.

A 60-minute romp through the icky past of ancient Egypt – pyramids, pharoahs, mummies and all.

Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$395 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

If you have an event happening in Sai Kung, email the details to editor@saikung.com

Book now

Apr 2 Olivia Newton-John Live in Hong Kong

Apr 8 The Cranberries

Apr 20-21 Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus

May 31-Jun 10 Annie

I got chills... the Neutron Bomb is coming to Grand Hall, Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $488$1,288 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

May 2 Lady Gaga – Born This Way Ball

Lady Gaga live, horns and all. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau.

Tickets $480-$1,580 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Award-winning director Tang Shuwing reworks his 2008 Arts Festival smash into an even more powerful production. HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $60-$250 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

The “Zombie” band is back with a new album and a tour to prove it.

Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $580-$980 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

The red-headed orphan and her hardknock life hit the stage in this West End production starring Su Pollard and David McAlister. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $330-$950 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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letters

have your say

Re-open Ho Chung school I read in the papers, and hear anecdotally, that potential expats to Hong Kong turn down jobs here because they can't get their children into international schools.

Then I drive past the empty school at the Ho Chung roundabout daily and I wonder: Why on earth doesn’t ESF, HKIS, Montessori, Steiner, FIS or someone reinvigorate this site? That these blue buildings have sat dormant for almost a decade seems near criminal.

Robby Nimmo

Cycle track for Tai Mong Tsai?

Change of direction Hong Kong leads the world in urbanization, reclamation, concrete development, pollution and speculation. How about Hong Kong leading the world in giving its citizens good QUALITY of life?

Paul Etherington

Gardening fan mail

I have been reading Jane Ram’s gardening column in Sai Kung magazine – and love it. It’s so useful since every English-language gardening book and website I read presumes I live in Europe or the USA. At last a local expert tuned into Hong Kong seasons. Many thanks.

Daphne Chung

A cycle track is urgently needed along Tai Mong Tsai Road, between Sai Sha roundabout and Sai Kung town. I drive the route at least twice daily and notice more and more cyclists are coming into Sai Kung along this road (despite the weekend ban on cyclists on Sai Sha Road). The road twists and turns. Cars often overtake cyclists on blind corners and I have seen several near misses. Must it take a serious accident before the Transport Department adds a cycle track?

Granville Yeung

Planked

Old people like me used to wonder out loud "what are they teaching young children at school" nowadays. Now I have found out I am wondering what are their teachers smoking.

Apparently, modern education involves making some 1,549 KGV students spend an entire day lying on old chairs so that they can become experts in something called "planking". (Sai Kung Magazine, March 2012). In my day, resembling a short plank was something the dim-witted went to school to avoid.

Brian Davison

Please email your letters to letters@saikung.com. We may edit for length.

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news

in the know

Grapevine

Trading to Extinction Want to help end Asia’s illegal trade in endangered animals and own a collectors’ edition wildlife photograph?

Award-winning photographer Patrick Brown’s new book, “Trading to Extinction”, has taken 10 years to complete. The landmark work collects his investigative photography from China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and India and is by far the most complete photographic record of one of the region’s most secret industries. The book is a way to raise awareness about the endangered species of our world. Those wishing to support the project the book can visit the website www.emphas.is.

Velodrome for TKO While Sai Kung waits – and waits – for its long-promised cycle track, there is some good news for local cyclists. An indoor velodrome is being built in Tseung Kwan O as part of a new sports centre and town park on a 6.9-hectare site at the junction of Po Hong and Wan Po roads. It will be a venue for international competitions and top-level training.

Meanwhile, the LCSD is inviting Hong Kong, Macau and mainland artists to submit preliminary proposals for artwork with a sports theme for the site by March 31. It will pay up to $800,000 for each piece. To find out more, visit www.lcsd.gov.hk or call 3101 2739 / 2728 / 2732.

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Bankers move to the dark side With the financial crisis finally hitting the expat packages of Hong Kong’s wealthy financial community, Sai Kung is seeing an influx of bankers on a budget. According to real-estate company Colliers International, some bankers saw their housing allowances slashed by up to 50 per cent in October in the wake of the US downturn, leaving them unable to afford luxury homes on the Southside and Mid-Levels – despite an 18 per cent drop in rents in those areas.

According to the company’s Simon Lo, the bankers have had their housing budgets cut from six figures to $60,000-$80,000 a month – enough for a luxury 2,100 sqft property in Sai Kung, or a much smaller apartment on the island.

Tai Long Sai Wan joins Country Park Following the public uproar in 2010 when developers moved the bulldozers in to clear a site in Tai Long Sai Wan, the government is planning to incorporate the enclave into Sai Kung Country Park.

This comes despite objections from politicians concerned with the property rights of villagers. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has said it will try to come to agreements before the conversion goes ahead. If passed, the plan will integrate 16.5 hectares of government and private land into the Sai Kung East Country Park including 4.2 hectares of private land in Sai Wan. “This is a classic example of the conservation versus development debate, but the rights of the public should always take precedence over the concerns of individuals,” department director Alan Wong Chi-kong has said, adding the AFCD hoped for a “win-win” solution.

Census trends Sai Kung is home to Hong Kong’s hardest working people, according to the preliminary results of the 2011 census. The district has the territory’s highest labour force participation rates for both men and women; the lowest rates were in Sham Shui Po. Sai Kung also recorded a marked population growth, largely attributed to the expansion of Tseung Kwan O; 52.2 per cent of Hong Kong people now live in the New Territories, compared with 49.8 per cent a decade ago.

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vines in sai kung

stephen says...

The one thing we absolutely, definitely know about the future is that it is hard to predict. Yet this magazine has taken the bold step of trying to envision the future of the place sometimes known as Hong Kong’s back garden, aka Sai Kung.

I am not quite bold enough to join this debate so have enlisted the wisdom of two close friends: Larry Developer, who has selflessly devoted his life to the growth of shopping malls, and Thaddeus Grassland, a lifelong vegetarian who has never passed a tree without hugging it.

Let’s start with Mr Developer, because this is Hong Kong and property developers come first in the pecking order.

“When I think of Sai Kung two words come to mind: wasted opportunity. There are large swathes of this area covered in trees and other forms of vegetation, much of it growing wild and all of it very untidy. Just think what we could build if we could clear out all this stuff. Even Sai Kung town is something of a disgrace. It is a significant New Territories centre, yet devoid of a single shopping mall.

The only buildings that come anywhere close to being high rise are the rather shoddy Chinachem group buildings, which, frankly, are not all that tall.

“Of course, if we are to make Sai Kung into a town that more closely resembles the rest of Hong Kong we need to stop all this nonsense about not widening Hiram’s Highway because, as we say in the development business, connections are everything. I would like to see that puny little road featuring at least six lanes.

“Next we need to tackle the labyrinth of absurd restrictions on development of socalled agricultural land and the even greater wastage of designating vast stretches of land for country parks.

“Let’s be frank: when was the last time you saw a cow being milked or a field being harvested in these so-called agricultural areas? And, as for the country parks, as far as I can see, the only part of these areas that achieves anything close to reasonable occupancy are the barbecue pits. These should stay, but as for the rest I am told they

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Picture: Graham Uden

Mr Developer vs Mr Grassland

Mr Grassland: “Why would anyone mess with the ideal environment of Sai Kung’s old town?” are occasionally littered by people walking up and down. If these people want to walk they can go to a decent gym where they have machines that provide this facility and take up far less space.

“So, now we get down to it. Once a decent bit of space has been cleared and tedious restrictions have been lifted, Sai Kung would be free to flourish. Think of all the designer stores that could be transplanted to this area. No longer would Sai Kung be bereft of a decent place to buy the latest fashion. We could even have a couple of mega-grocery

“I believe that instead of live trees and vegetation we could have some decent artificial foliage that leaves no mess and looks rather splendid” Mr Developer

stores run by the two companies that really know how to run these things.

“I could go on but the future is clear if only commonsense would prevail. And, don’t think I am blind to aesthetics because I believe that instead of messy live trees and vegetation we could have some decent artificial foliage that leaves no mess and looks rather splendid.”

Mr Grassland, unsurprisingly, has a rather different view.

“If there’s one dread word that should not be in anyone’s vocabulary, it is change. Have

you ever seen change for the better? Look no further than districts adjacent to Sai Kung, such as Ma On Shan or Tseung Kwan O, and you will see what change has ‘achieved’.

High- and higher-rise buildings, many of which house public-housing projects that would be better located in, say, Yuen Long, where these people would be much happier.

“And, while we’re at it, why would anyone in their right mind want to mess with the ideal environment of Sai Kung’s old town where people live in perfect contentment in tiny little picturesque dwellings in quaint old streets?

“If I had my way I would slap a preservation order on the whole lot and extend, rather than curtail, the boundaries of the country parks.

“Should there be a scintilla of doubt as to what happens when you allow new construction, just look at the houses built on these 700 sqft plots that fester in Sai Kung.

There are houses clad in lavatory tiles and some with absurd attempts at Baroque-era designs. Others are painted in what can only be described as vulgar colours.

“As for more shops, gimme a break! There are more than enough – although a couple more organic health stores wouldn’t go amiss.”

So, there you have it: One Sai Kung, Two Systems.

Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.

interview Publisher & Executive Editor Tom Hilditch Tom@saikung.com Editorial Jane Steer Jane@saikung.com Angel Lam Angel@saikung.com Adele Rosi Adele@saikung.com Cat Kiely cat@saikung.com

Rowan Varty

The 25-year-old captain of the Hong Kong sevens squad talks to Robby Nimmo about growing up in Sai Kung.

Art Direction Sammy Ko design@saikung.com Accounts Clara Chan Accounts@saikung.com Advertising Heung Sai ads@saikung.com Distribution Sebastian Leitner Sebastian@saikung.com This month's contributors Carolynne Dear Graham Uden Stephen Vines Dr Carmel Taylor MVB Jackie Peers Jane Ram Iain Lafferty David Diskin Grace Mak with Eric Luk Printer Gear Printing 1/F, Express Industrial Bldg 43 Heung Yip Road Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media PO Box 33093 Sheung Wan Post Office, Hong Kong.

Sai Kung is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Sai Kung cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

My grandpa bought land near Silverstrand in the 1960s. Not many people lived there then. He has 10 grandchildren; although only my sister and I live in Hong Kong.

My mother wanted the same upbringing for us that she had growing up around nature. She wanted us to have a sense of being from Hong Kong. We lived in Kowloon and she’d take us to Sham Shui Po to eat congee.

On the weekends it was different.

We had an old Chinese village house in Hoi Ha, right up in Sai

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Kung Country Park. It had no aircon and no TV, but it did have lots of insects. And snakes. My sister and I had to make our own fun.

We enjoyed swimming and the fish and roamed free. It felt like growing up in another country. It was the perfect childhood.

When I was 10, my family moved to Clearwater Bay. It seemed so far from my school, Beacon Hill.

Having so much space gave me a different perspective and helped encourage me at rugby. I started playing for the DeA Tigers when I was nine – I’m still vice-captain.

I enjoyed my time at King George V School. My parents went there and both my father and I were heads of our house, Upsdell. I was head boy in 2004. My mother’s family are also on the honour roll.

My parents still live in Clearwater Bay, but I live in the Valley now.

Before I went to live in Japan to play rugby professionally I used to share a place with my teammate, Keith Robertson. There was no room left when I got back.

I work hard, and put pressure on myself. I am happy if I try my best

he tries harder final between England and Australia there in 2003. Although it’s no longer his restaurant, it’s still one my favourites in the area, along with Occos in Sai Kung.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time on the Sai Kung square with my mates. I had friends who lived nearby, and we’d walk into Sai Kung and just enjoy the village life for hours.

The best thing anyone could do for Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay is to not change it. It’s special, like no other place in Hong Kong, because it retains its village atmosphere and is not too built up. It’s not too far from town, either. It strikes just the right balance. If it changes, you could never get that back.

Just like the Star Ferry. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Assuming the area does not become overdeveloped, I would like to come back to raise a family one day.

Children there have an incredible upbringing... it’s like being in another country.

at whatever I do. My father’s father was a quantity surveyor, and so is he. My mother works hard as a barrister and many of her family are judges and barristers from the Remedios family, a well-known name in legal circles. I chose the path of a solicitor and work for Hong Kong-based law firm Tanner De Witt, although I deferred my start while I played rugby in Japan.

Being Eurasian (I have an English father and a Macanese mother of Portuguese descent) seemed pretty typical growing up. I didn’t really think about it until I went to

Nottingham Uni. Keith [Robertson] went there too. We confused everyone with our accents. In America, they think we’re English; in England, they think we’re American. They can’t pick it.

On weekends, I still come back to Clearwater Bay and Sai Kung. My favourite hike is High Junk Peak, near my family’s home – it looks really arduous, and you climb really high and can see everything in the area, but you can do it in half an hour. I also like Ma On Shan, but it takes hours and these days with work and rugby training, I don’t

have as much time for it.

My father, Paul, is a quantity surveyor and around 1999 he opened Pousada Restaurant, now Hebe One O One. I suppose he got the inspiration from my mother’s Macanese family. Who doesn’t love Fernando’s and all those great restaurants in Macau?

As a teenager, I enjoyed going there with my mates. We loved Pousada – the view and the setting, the outdoor space and, of course, the free food. I watched that cracking Rugby World Cup

Rugby and work keeps me busy, especially as we gear up for the sevens. I have been to Twickenham and a lot of sporting events, but nothing compares to the Hong Kong Sevens. The crowd gets right behind you – when you run through that tunnel, there’s nothing like it.

My predictions for this year are England and New Zealand in the final, with England to win. And for the qualifier, of course, a win for Hong Kong.

On weekends, I like spending time with my grandpa. He has a big garden, which he really enjoys, and I help him in it. His passion is flowers, especially roses. He often gives me cuttings and says, “Take a bit of this area back with you to Happy Valley.” And I will be taking more than a bit of it out onto the pitch at So Kon Po this month.

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local

man bites dogs

Barking mad

How to shut the neighbour’s dogs up, Cat Kiely reports.

Driven to distraction by his neighbour’s barking dogs, Sai Kung resident Andy Naylor decided to do something about it. After two years of ceaseless yapping from April 2007 to April 2009, he took the owner to court.

“A lot of people feel frustrated by barking dogs, but my experience shows there is a legal system out there that can help," says Naylor, who is married with kids.

The saga began in 2007, when the Naylor family was living in a three-storey semidetached village house on Chi Fai Path, Tai Mong Tsai. The adjoining house was subdivided into three apartments, with two sisters and their two dogs living in the top-floor flat.

“The two dogs were generally well-behaved and quiet, but when both sisters went out the

dogs barked incessantly and would only stop when one sister returned,” Naylor recalls. “The barking would often extend into the early hours of the morning and kept us all awake for hours.

They were often left alone till 3am or 4am at weekends.”

He started to complain, verbally, in writing and even called in the police. When nothing changed, Naylor decided to take legal action.

"I think I would have initiated police action earlier, but we were under the impression that our neighbours were respectful of our requests and would fix the problem. They didn't. If no action is forthcoming then go with the next step," Naylor advises.

He made a claim for economic loss, suffering and damages from noise nuisance from intolerable dog barking, which is an offence under the Noise Control Ordinance.

The dog-owner replied by letter on March 14, 2008, stating she didn't want to prevent her dogs barking or change her social life. She said barking dogs were part of village life and suggested Naylor wear earplugs at night.

So following advice from police officers at Wong Tai Sin, he made audio and video recordings that could be used as evidence.

And both Naylor and his wife provided witness statements.

"I would advise first and foremost to take a respectful approach and see if it can be resolved amicably,” he says. “If that fails, utilize the government. Keep as many records as possible. And be willing to act as a witness in

order to help the police strengthen their case."

The neighbour was prosecuted for allowing her dogs to annoy neighbours or passers-by by barking without seeking a solution for the problem. She pleaded guilty and was fined $800.

But the dogs carried on barking.

The Naylors decided enough was enough, and made plans to move house. Earlier, Naylor had told his landlord he would only be renewing his rental contract if the noise ceased, and his solicitor informed the neighbour that the Naylors would seek compensation to cover removal expenses under the tort of private nuisance.

So when the howling continued, they were able to claim relocation costs of about $40,500, including removal and agency fees, and fixtures and fitting costs, which the neighbour settled.

"When we started to take action, all sorts of slander was being thrown at us by the neighbours. Anybody going through this has to be prepared for the other party to resist and make allegations. At the end of the day the law will protect the innocent,” Naylor says.

"I feel as though justice has been done, but two years of our lives were misery because of the barking and lost sleep. I hope the neighbours have learned their lesson. During that period my wife and I became impatient with each other and were unnecessarily shouting at the children. I was training for a marathon and not getting the recovery sleep I needed.

We were all exhausted and didn't want to invite people to the house because of this problem. It had an adverse effect on our lives."

Legal situation

Quiet, boy!

Summary Offences Ordinance Cap. 228 Section 4 says that any person who at any time in any domestic premises or public place keeps any animal that makes any noise which is a source of annoyance to any person commits an offence and shall be liable to a fine of $10,000.

To make a noise complaint, you must prove your occupation of land or property is affected by noise and the interference must be substantial and reasonable enough to take action. Section 5 of the Noise Control Ordinance provides control over noise sources in domestic premises including animals at any time of the day or night.

Exercise: Take your dog for a swim, walk or jog, throwing a ball for them to chase or allowing them to play with another dog to tire them out.

Diet: Hungry dogs are noisy dogs.

Neutering: This can calm dogs, reducing aggression and bad behaviour.

Neuter dogs at seven months or later.

Stimulation: Bored dogs bark. Try upbeat training sessions and interactive toys. A sterilised bone will keep them busy for hours.

Water: If your dog barks after you leave home, try spraying it with water until it stops. Repeat until you can leave home without it barking. Once it is quiet, be sure to give the dog plenty of praise to reward its good behaviour.

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How to stop your dog barking.

The shape of things to come: the approximate sites of Hong Kong Academy (top) and the planned waterfront hotel, outlined in red. Below: Two views of the Beach Resort Hotel, which has been empty for a decade.

Where’s our hotel?

Sai Kung has been waiting for a hotel for 10 years – and now three are coming at once. But when will guests be checking in? Simon Parry and Hazel Knowles report.

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no tell hotel

The hotel site fetched $719 million in what was arguably Sai Kung’s most important land sale for years – a transaction that will profoundly shape the town’s future development. But if you’ve heard nothing about it, don’t be surprised. Hardly anyone else has either.

The winning bidder got a huge, 18,000 sqm slice of prime seafront with permission for a three-storey hotel with stunning ocean views and 500 guest rooms. But if you’ve never heard of the company, don’t be surprised. Hardly anyone else has either.

The sale of Lot 1950 – sandwiched between the Kau Sai Chau public golf club car park and the rundown Beach Resort Hotel – was as low key and anonymous as the plot’s name. No bigname developers took part and the final price was $60 million below market expectations.

Only two tenders were lodged. The loser was East Kong International Industrial Ltd, a company created 11 months before the sale.

The winner was Cheer Regal Ltd, incorporated on October 7 – just 20 days before its successful tender on October 27, 2011.

More than four months after the sale, the site – which was being used for market gardens and a dog training centre last year – is messy and overgrown, surrounded by high fencing punctuated by misspelt anti-trespassing signs saying: “No trespassent area.”

What happens next on Lot 1950 is far from dull, though. It will determine whether Sai Kung gets the hotel it has been waiting years for or whether another prime seafront site is left to stand idle. It will also play a potentially major role in the town’s economic future.

The site was sold as part of an overall expansion plan that will see a new international school open across the road in 2013, a separate boutique hotel near Hebe Haven, and a general upgrade of roads and infrastructure in coming years.

But the worrying precedent for Lot 1950

is the nearby Beach Resort Hotel, whose last guest checked out more than a decade ago.

Since then it has changed hands twice with promises by the first buyer, Brad Gotfried of Urban Entertainment, to transform it into a Hawaiian-themed resort.

Gotfried – a Hong Kong-born Australian who bought the hotel in 2003 for $28 million at the same time as he bought another $257 million of Sai Kung property at SARS prices – wanted to rename it the Honolulu Hotel and have nightly beach parties with pig roasts and dancers in grass skirts. His pipe dream never materialised. The Beach Resort remained a derelict shell before being sold three years later for a rumoured $72 million – netting Urban Entertainment a cool $44 million profit. (See story, over page.)

The hotel was bought by New World Development but renovation work carried out since has long since ground to a standstill.

Former site manager K.Y. Mak, who supervised the recent renovations, said: “The work stopped around one year ago. I think the owner just wanted to do some basic work. I don’t think they know what to do with it. Maybe they’ve changed their plans.”

New World Development spokeswoman Karen Wong insisted the Beach Resort Hotel was “still under development”. She said, “Construction work at the site is ongoing and there is no halt to the project.”

However, when asked when the work would be completed and when the hotel might reopen, Wong replied: “That is confidential. We can’t disclose that.”

The nagging question is whether Lot 1950 – a stone’s throw from the Beach Resort – is destined to meet the same fate. The land deal is understood to oblige Cheer Regal to provide plans within a year and to build a structure within five years but imposes no date for the first check-in.

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no tell hotel

This site in Pak Sha Wan is earmarked for a boutique hotel, although work seems to be stalled.

One positive sign is that the people behind Cheer Regal appear to be serious-minded.

In fact, the directors of Cheer Regal are no less than Hong Kong business royalty: TVB non-executive director Dr Charles Chan Kwokkeung, Mona Fong Yat-wa – wife of media mogul Sir Run Run Shaw – and Shaw Brothers’ executive Raymond Chan.

Despite their lofty credentials, however, none appears to have any history in hotel development or management. Dr Chan is chairman of ITC Corporation which counts property investment, rather than development, as one of its specialities.

When approached by Sai Kung Magazine, Dr Chan declined to answer questions about the hotel development, referring inquiries to his co-director Raymond Chan, who was equally publicity-shy. After many requests for interviews, Mr Chan finally sent a text message: “We are in a very preliminary stage. There is no plan yet.

There’s not much information we can give.”

Pressed on whether Cheer Regal would be building a hotel or whether the site had been bought as a speculative investment, Mr Chan responded: “We will not sell it. Hopefully, the

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hotel will be there in four to five years.”

When we invited him to reassure the public about the company’s intentions and to speak about his vision for the site, Mr Chan declined, saying: “We are really sorry – we cannot provide further information at this stage.”

However, a property company executive familiar with the deal said she understood the site would be used for a mixture of hotel rooms and serviced apartments or suites.

“There is a very good market for serviced apartments in Sai Kung,” she said. “People are always looking for places to stay in for the shortterm, either because their own properties are being renovated or because they are hosting friends or relatives from different countries.”

Serviced apartments or long-stay hotel accommodation might become particularly in demand thanks to development directly opposite the hotel site – the Hong Kong Academy’s Sai Kung campus, which is currently under construction and will admit its first students in August 2013.

Sai Kung district councillor Christine Fong said of the school: “This is a very good thing for Sai Kung – absolutely. It’s taken an awfully long

time to materialise. We’ve been waiting for seven years and the process has been very slow.

“But this will be good for Sai Kung because we need more international schools. It will improve our local economy and the school will have very good facilities, which they have agreed to let local people use as well.”

The arrival of the school, with the potential influx of new residents and rising house prices, may also prompt the owners of Lot 1950 and the Beach Resort Hotel to work faster towards the day when they check in their first new guests.

Sai Kung District Officer Maureen Siu Molin said the two hotels were among a host of development projects currently underway or in the pipeline, which she believed would boost business and bring job opportunities. Other projects include a 40-room hotel at the site of the former Viking Restaurant in Pak Sha Wan, a proposed hospital in Clearwater Bay North near Pik Shui Sun Tsuen, and the ongoing revitalization of Sai Kung old town.

Siu, who took up the post as Sai Kung District Officer in December, said tendering for the detailed design works of the Hiram’s Highway Improvement Project stage one – aimed at easing Sai Kung’s traffic problems – was expected to be completed in April.

“In the years ahead, there are many development projects that will further enhance the environment and community services for the residents in Sai Kung,” Siu said. “We foresee that the local economy, in particular the tourism industry, will continue to grow in the coming years. The population will also continue to grow.

“It is our mission to respond actively to the needs of the community. We will continue to strengthen cooperation and coordination with other government departments in our mutual goal of building a better community for the district of Sai Kung. As the district continues to grow, with many ongoing and future development projects that will enhance the district environment, it is important to strike a good balance and maintain the versatility and vitality that make this district special,” she said.

no tell hotel

Dreams that turned to dust

Former Beach Resort owner Bradley Gotfried had big plans for Sai Kung.

Hazel Knowles revisits his schemes.

A Hawaiian-themed hotel with grass-skirted dancers, Mao Zedong- and Nelson Mandelathemed restaurants and a safari park in Sai Kung Country Park – these were just of some of the bizarre projects dreamed up by businessman Bradley Gotfried for Sai Kung.

The Hong Kong-born Australian had a glossy portfolio of plans drawn up of the ambitious projects when he invested more $247 million in a portfolio of Sai Kung properties at depressed SARS prices in 2003.

The blueprints, prepared for potential fellow investors and the Hong Kong government, featured images of tourists supposedly riding an elephant in Wong Chuk Yuen, which his company, Urban Entertainment Ltd, envisioned as a health spa and resort offering Chinese herbal therapy and horse riding.

The Star Plaza shopping centre was to be the base for a fleet of ecologically friendly electric buses and vehicles that would whisk people to one of 13 themed villages, including

a Mediterranean village, a Caribbean village, a Moroccan village and a dog-lover's hotel and restaurant resort.

The plans also included a Cubanthemed hotel called Little Havana, a fleet of Hawaiian cruise boats, a Chinese restaurant called Mao's and an African game restaurant called Mandela's serving crocodile and emu meat and a tea house called Sai Kung Suzie's Feng Shui House.

At one stage there were signs his plans would become a reality. Work began on his planned Little Havana restaurant in a seafront building in the old town bought for $17 million.

Builders moved into the Beach Resort Hotel and Gotfried offered residents the chance to bid for the huge fibreglass lobster that climbed the outside wall and had been blamed by a former owner for bad feng shui which caused the hotel’s demise.

But then worked stopped, started, and then eventually by 2006 had stopped completely and “For Sale” signs began appeared at the various sites he owned. Some are believed to have since been sold and redeveloped.

The only plans of Gotfried to reach fruition was a lively Lan Kwai Fong-style bar called Xtreme in the heart of Sai Kung town – which is still thriving today under new ownership as Agua Plus – and a multicoloured boat called the Mai Tai that operated Hawaiian-themed mini-cruises for a while from 2004. Star Plaza, which is known now only as a car park, briefly accommodated a branch of Wellcome.

Gotfried’s company is still listed as active on the government companies’ registry where he and three others, including his son, are named as directors. The address given is 1A Chui Tong Road, that of Star Plaza. But a phone number listed on one website rings out. And try to venture from the car park into the ghostly quiet corridors of Star Plaza and you’ll be ushered out by a lone security guard.

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nu skool Artists’ impressions of Hong Kong Academy’s Sai Kung campus.

What the uncertainty over Lot 1950 and the Beach Resort Hotel illustrates, however, is the fractured nature of town planning in Sai Kung.

Whatever ideas officials have for the town, ultimately the future is shaped by the businesses that buy the properties. Sometimes – as Brad Gotfried discovered with the Beach Resort Hotel – doing very little can be highly profitable.

The problem, according to the Friends of Sai Kung chairman Guy Shirra, is a lack of overall strategy. “There’s no vision and I am totally frustrated by it,” he said. “The government these days is totally inadequate and if there’s anyone with imagination in government they are discouraged and left disheartened.”

Whether there is room for two or even three hotels in Sai Kung is open to question. But as Shirra said: “Most people would be happy to have a hotel in Sai Kung providing jobs and providing somewhere for people to stay including visiting relatives.”

That’s why – as the grass grows deeper behind the high fences of Lot 1950 – pressure will mount on the site’s owners to prove their good intentions towards a seaside town that has waited too long for a hotel to call its own.

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Big school, big plans

We’ll give back to Sai Kung, says head of international school.

Board members of the Hong Kong Academy call the new Sai Kung campus their “Caribbean sister school” – and the principal insists it will be a ray of sunshine for the town as well as teachers and students.

When it is finished next year, the campus will provide 20,000 sqm of space for 670 pupils, many of whom will move from the school’s existing site in Kennedy Town.

In addition to purpose-built classrooms, art studios, a two-floor library and a landscaped

rooftop courtyard, the campus will boast an 80seat theatre with a professional-standard sound system, an 800-seat gymnasium and 350-seat auditorium.

“The clean air in Sai Kung and access to the ocean is great for the school but we do recognize that we are in a very privileged situation and we want to put back into the community as well. We hope there will be mutual benefits for all,” said Stephen Dare, Head of School.

Dare said he hoped Sai Kung residents

nu skool

would share his excitement. “One of the big thrills for us is the community of Sai Kung. One of the founding principles of the school is very much about trying to be a community school,” he said.

“We see our wonderful facilities as not just being for the kids in our school but for the local community as well. For example, we have a 350seat theatre being developed with lots of modern facilities and theatre groups may want to come and use that.”

Dare said he could not speculate on whether

the arrival of the Hong Kong Academy would create greater demand for Sai Kung’s property and push up prices. But he did confirm a number of parents were looking to move to Sai Kung.

“I’d love to think we had that sort of effect,” he said. “If house prices do go up it is going to be on a much bigger scale than the anything the school is bringing to the area. However, we have seen a big increase in the number of enquiries about the school from families in the Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay area, in particular. A year ago we didn’t operate any buses to the Sai Kung or Clearwater Bay, but we have had to put two on this year and we anticipate that number will grow.”

The extra traffic generated by the school has also been something carefully considered in the design and planning in order not to put an extra strain on Sai Kung’s existing traffic woes, Dare said. “We are already quite expert in traffic and if you saw how quickly we get traffic flowing and kids into the school in Kennedy Town at present, I think you’d agree managing the traffic in Sai Kung is going to be much easier. We are very conscious that we are sharing a space with

a community and we want it to run efficiently.

We want to have a good presence and a good image in the community and be seen to working towards that. It is really important to us.”

Mr Dare added: “Sai Kung is a lovely community to be nestled in and we have had so many enquiries from people who seem to be excited about the presence of the school out there that we think this is going to be an overwhelmingly positive move for us as well.”

Hazel Knowles

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hikes

Trip back in time

Jackie Peers takes a leisurely boat ride into Sai Kung’s past.

The head of Tolo Harbour is now dominated by apartment blocks so high that they threaten to dwarf mighty Ma On Shan itself. But a short ferry ride from Ma Liu Shui pier, near Sha Tin, are the remains of lovely coastal settlements, where not too long ago village life revolved around the rhythms of nature rather than the whirr of lifts and the rumble of traffic below.

This month’s walk takes you on a circuit from one bucolic village to another, through lovely regenerating forest including a grove of large ferns that gave me a sudden pang for my native New Zealand. Kids and visitors will enjoy this one – not too arduous, great contrasts and who doesn’t enjoy a ferry ride? The Tolo Harbour ferries are great old-fashioned boats, servicing such charming and remote locations that they seem to take you back in time as well as across the water.

The Ma Liu Shui pier is 15 minutes’ walk from the Chinese University, following the signs (see the ferry timetable at www.tramway.com.hk).

Disembark at the ferry’s second stop, Lai Chi Chong, and go for a short wander along the coastline, which is one of Hong Kong’s Geopark sites.

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Once a volcanic lake, the volcaniclastic sedimentary rock (formed from particulates rather than lava spewed during a volcanic eruption 150 million years ago) has undergone a variety of geological processes that the Geopark website describes in some detail. But most of us will be satisfied with taking in the huge variety of colours and shapes of the exposed rock along the shore. It’s spectacular.

Head towards the village, and you will see rice terraces as clearly defined as any in the area. It’s a quiet, peaceful spot, with a herd of cattle munching contentedly in the meadow, and not much going on except perhaps for an egret flapping into motion. If your happy hound is with you, carry a big stick to wave round energetically to deter an overenthusiastic welcome from the locals. There’s a large camping spot that looks rather appealing, and you may or may not be able to get a drink from one of the houses, depending on whether anyone can be roused.

Climb the paved track, and you’ll come to a fork in the path. Both options are appealing. Turning left takes you to the pretty village of Pak

walking into history

Opposite: stop for a Tsingtao in Sham Chung. Above, clockwise from top left: the waterways of Sham Chung; a boulder stream crossing; Lai Chi Chong; en-route.

Sha O, where a former Hakka village has been converted into a hamlet set amid colourful gardens for a handful of permanent residents and weekenders enjoying a huge contrast to their Island lifestyle. But we’re turning right, for a gentle 45-minute stroll to Sham Chung village.

The Sham Chung wetland was a victim of eco-vandalism by the Sun Hung Kai property group, whose intentions still remain murky. But let’s focus on the positives. It’s a lovely, peaceful spot, enjoyed by weekend cyclists and hikers but undisturbed by anyone during the week, except perhaps a solitary angler.

The houses are like a museum of a vanished past; the first group you come to is rapidly crumbling and succumbing to encroaching vegetation.

But pop your head through some of the doorways and it’s uncanny to see plates on the tables and pictures on the walls, as if the former inhabitants were rounded up and removed without prior warning. On the other side of the valley the houses are sturdier and you might be lucky enough to come across Tommy Li, who returns to his childhood village to serve delicious

pan-fried noodles and cold Tsingtao beers after a career in restaurants in both Britain and the US. It’s fascinating to hear him talk of the village during his childhood.

From Sham Chung it’s another 30 minutes on a paved walkway to the modern village of Yung Shue O, and a further 45-minute walk along the access road to Sai Sha Road, where you can catch a bus or minibus to Sai Kung. This final stretch is easier on a bike, which is why many weekend visitors choose that option.

However you get there, a visit to these villages provides a valuable glimpse into times past.

Jackie Peers is a director of Walk Hong Kong, a unique company offering guided hikes to areas such as Tai Po Kau. She also runs photography courses in the Sai Kung area.

Details at www.walkhongkong.com.

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eating Eat your greens

If you’re hungering for organic food, order online and have it delivered to your door, says Angel Lam. Aussie Organics www.aussieorganics.com, hongkong@ aussieorganics.com, 2293 2265 Aussie Organics flies in top-quality organic produce from Australia every Friday, and delivers directly from the airport to your door. Its fruit and veg is grown on farms throughout Australia that are certified to meet international standards for organic food. The website is easy to use, with a selection of packages or tailored packs, plus organic groceries and other products.

Tip: Buy fruits and vegetables in season to ensure the highest quality and the lowest price.

Greendotdot 68 Electric Road, Tin Hau, 3181 4488, www. greendotdot.com Greendotdot is a good source of organic groceries, including Asian products such as Chinese soups and holiday foods. It also sells a range of frozen organic meats, including chicken, pork and Iberian ham, organic wine and sustainable seafood.

Tip: Become a Greendotdot online member for free and get a 10 per cent discount on all items and gifts.

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Kinoa 9409 5190, www.kinoa-shop.com.

Kinoa’s organic products are certified free of genetically modified organisms (GMO), chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and irradiation. It sells groceries and products for babies, children and pregnant women.

Tip: Kinoa delivers all over Hong Kong, with a $20 discount on orders of more than $500.

Homegrown Foods www.homegrownfoods.com.hk, 2671 2771 Homegrown Foods specialises in locally grown, seasonal, sustainable produce from farms in Hong Kong and southern China, delivered in weekly or bi-weekly baskets. Each basket contains more than five varieties of seasonal vegetables for two to three people ($338) or four to six people ($528).

Tip: New customers receive a free box of AiFunan handmade soap.

New Zealand Focus 439-445 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 2151 3395, www.newzealandfocus.com.

A broad range of natural products including wines, honey, organic food and beverages, natural skincare and health products. There's also a

chilled food cabinet stuffed with New Zealand lamb, and shelves stocked with everything from sunscreen to royal jelly.

Tip: Organic products may still be high in sugar, salt, fat or calories.

Organic Express Unlimited 2873 0720, www.organicexpressunlimited.com Fresh, certified organic produce comes direct from farms in Malaysia to your home twice weekly. The farmers also deliver to Singapore, known for its stringent quality control. The Veggie Box Scheme includes a sample of greens to try with every purchase.

Tip: Fill in the response slip for a two-week trial with a 12 per cent discount on organic produce.

South Stream Foods www.south-stream-seafoods.com, 2555 6200 Established in 1990, South Stream built a business by supplying top-quality fresh and frozen seafood to restaurants. Since then, it has diversified into meats, fruit and vegetables, freerange eggs, honey, jams and chutneys, cheese, cakes and gluten-free breads.

Tip: Look for the recipes on the homepage for hints on how to cook that fabulous produce.

deli delivery

Nibbles Bacchus gets our vote for prettiest new Sai Kung restaurant. Like a slice of SoHo, the whitewashed interior is clean and serene, with one of the most attractive terraces in town. The bi-fold doors, all-weather wicker seating, glass-topped tables and giant leaf prints on the walls make you feel happy before you even sit down. But it’s the food that really puts a grin on your face. The menu has both Western and Asian dishes offering a fresh, modern take on classic pastas and Cantonese dishes. 79 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 7868.

Started in 2009 by Canadian conservation group Shark Truth, Happy Hearts Love Sharks takes a carrot rather than a stick approach to saving sharks by reducing demand for shark-fin soup at Chinese weddings. The contest encourages couples to remove the soup from their menus in

exchange for a chance to win an ecohoneymoon in Fiji. To be eligible, couples must be planning a Chinese wedding banquet for more than 50 guests before December 31. Entries close April 30. Details at happyheartslovesharks.org/hk.

Here are three things to love about Valentino, Sai Kung’s new chocolatier and wine shop.

1. Its selection of Belgian chocolates. 2. Its exclusive distributorship of St Christol wines from the south of France. 3. It’s replaced one of the real estate agencies on Chan Man Street, near Mannings.

2686 9044, www.valentinochocolatier.com.hk.

Steamers is upping the ante with its new mixologist, Sam, who is whipping up some mighty fine cocktails. Wake

up and smell the coffee with this month’s special, an espresso martini ($50). New on the menu are ploughman’s lunch, banoffee pie and banana pancakes. Try them during live screenings of the Hong Kong Sevens on March 23-25, while channelling the South Stand action with jugs of beer, Screwdrivers and Bloody Marys. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991.

Hebe One O One has kissed the Blarney Stone with its St Patrick’s Day promotions from March 11-17, including Irish specialities beef and Guinness pie, sausage and champ and Irish stew for $148 with a pint of Guinness. Don’t miss the “Sevens Roast” – March 23-25 – grain-fed rib-eye with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy. 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515.

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property Talking Italian

This unusual apartment brings rural Tuscany – and a touch of Kyoto – to a Kowloon tower block. Cat Kiely reports.

With its vaulted ceilings, rustic brickwork and chunky wooden furniture, this home may look like a centuries-old Italian villa, but it’s actually a 1,600 sqft apartment on the 30th floor of a Kowloon tower block. Designed by Catherine Cheung of The XSS, the effect was achieved using a series of techniques, including judicious use of the paintbrush to create the handpainted

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brickwork, a faux column and the rough plaster effect on the walls. A “carpet” of mosaic tiles welcomes guests in the entrance way.

Elegant Fortuny lamps, iron detailing on the coffee table and a crystal chandelier add to the Italian ambience in the main living space.

A number of different types of wood are used throughout the home, adding layers of colour

and texture and giving the apartment a natural, atmosphere.

A sofa covered in bright, playful striped fabric adds a necessary burst of colour and is a breath of fresh air amid all that wood, along with a large palm in one corner. A wall of strippedwood panels running the length of the living and dining areas opens to reveal useful storage.

high-rise rustic

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property

The impressive dining table and benches are made from reclaimed railway sleepers in keeping with the owners’ request for a rustic, antique feel.

At the far end of the dining space a large door slides open to reveal a Japanese-style tea room

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with a raised floor that can be used as a dais for a guestroom or daybed. A panel in the centre of the floor can be raised up to create a table.

A traditional Japanese-style shoji door into the hallway and tatami-style finish on the walls adds

to the Japanese feel of the room.

The effect is calming and earthy. It may be slightly surreal to step out of a high-rise elevator and into a contemporary rural retreat, but it works.

property

The XSS Limited, 5/F, Delta House, 3 On Yiu Street, Siu Lek Yuen, Shatin, 2739 8893, www.thexss.com.

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interiors Off the wall

Been staring at a blank wall? These Hong Kong artists can create a personal piece of art just for you.

Tinja Wright, Blank Bespoke Art I graduated from Central St Martin’s School of Art in London and worked in the media for 15 years at Vogue, Elle, The Telegraph and the South China Morning Post.

Staring at a big empty wall inspired BLANK. I spent years traipsing around galleries looking for something big and bold to unify my living space, but it always seemed to cost the earth. So I sketched what I wanted (a polka-dot chandelier on a square Union Jack), commissioned a designer and sourced a company specialising in giclée printing – a technique used by galleries to reproduce art. I had lots of requests to create more, which convinced me a market exists for customised art at affordable prices.

I launched BLANK in 2009 with an interactive website where customers can create their own canvases to match their interiors.

Dramatic icons in one print are superimposed on a background of another print — a technique called print-on-print. The icons include the dark and macabre (Stag Beetle, Heart, Skull), the light-hearted (Vargas Girl, Double Happiness), and the retro (Buckaroo, Space Hopper, PacMan). Each has a limited edition of 100, with new prints and icons every year. After selecting an icon on the website, customers can experiment with print-on-print patterns and colours. We also offer a bespoke service to create icons and prints to order.

Popular prints include the Silhouette Portrait, contemporary versions of classical hand-cut Victorian profile portrait silhouettes created by the Blank team and superimposed on our signature prints. Another popular choice is Favourite Things, inspired by The Sound of Music, which lists a client’s favourite people, places, values, books, films and so on.

In an ideal world, we should collect art and create rooms to complement it. However, occasionally people simply want a canvas to go with their sofa. We don’t claim to be creating art, but we’d like to think we’re elevating graphic art to a more artistic level.

Icon canvases cost from $1,200 and portraits from $2,200.

Gail Deayton, Hong Kong Murals Since having my daughters, Annabella, 3, and Eloisa, 2, I've painted their walls with lots of animals, characters and most recently a princess castle. Pretty soon I was being asked to do commissions. As people tend to move home regularly, I wanted to create a product that they could take with them. I spent months experimenting and I can now paint a mural on canvas can be attached to the wall so that it's still flat, but can be easily removed, stored, and put up again.

I studied fine art with sculpture, and have taught all over the world. I exhibited regularly until the madness of motherhood, a full-time job and building a business. In June I go full time with Hong Kong Murals.

Customers find me via Facebook, my website, or word of mouth. They usually have an idea and we work together. The murals can be any size you want, on canvas or a wall.

I painted a Chinese dragon from an embroidery that a client’s godmother gave her. The embroidery is only a few inches long but the mural ended up being 6ft x 3ft. I liked the Hobbit mural I recently did for a neighbour.

Each mural is unique, but I charge from $3,000 for a height chart.

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personal taste Belinda Bath, personalised photo montages I started in November 2010. I had spent a lot of time taking photos of Hong Kong and I started putting them together in different ways. A friend asked me to design one, then another lady and it took off from there.

I studied fashion design and illustration, worked for Country Road in display and visual merchandising and worked as a freelance photographic stylist for 15 years before moving to Hong Kong from Melbourne five years ago.

I offer montages in a range of colour palettes that can be printed on canvas or as framed prints. I also offer a bespoke service for more personalised artwork. I can print the photographs in a variety of sizes and tailor the pieces to fit your space.

Hong Kong is such a visual city. I love photographing the little things – thongs in the markets, ribbons in Sham Shui Po, chillies in the wet market.

I am constantly taking new photos and regularly redesign and update my pieces.

The bespoke and personalised pieces are popular – people love the idea that no one else will have the same artwork. Everyone's image and memories of Hong Kong are different.

My pieces start from about $3,800, with the personalised images from about $6,000.

Where to get it Belinda Bath www6.clikpic.com/belindabath, bath@netvigator.com BLANK Bespoke Art www.blankbespokeart.com, info@blankbespokeart.com, 2239 4303 Hong Kong Murals www.hongkongmurals.com, info@hongkongmurals.com, 9722 8353

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education Kellett grows up

Principal Ann McDonald explains how Kellett will maintain its small-school values while expanding into full secondary education.

laptop programme, creativity, sport and the arts.

In addition, participation in the Federation of British International Schools in Southeast Asia and East Asia's (FOBISSEA) sporting and music events offers students international competition and collaboration.

Tell us about the staff.

Kellett seeks to attract the highest calibre of teachers in their given fields from Hong Kong, the region and internationally. Each is required to have a comprehensive understanding of the British curriculum, IT experience and to be committed to excellence. The school invests in the professional development of its teachers which is reflected in our retention.

Kellett teachers share a wealth of experience in high-achieving independent and state schools, bringing the best qualities of both systems.

What are the educational philosophies and core values at Kellett School?

A good school focuses on each student's personal academic progress and attainment while simultaneously providing the guidance and opportunity to support students in building a well-rounded personal profile.

We aim for our students to have a love of learning and confidence for life. We achieve this by ensuring our students achieve personal academic excellence, are confident, articulate and have a wide range of transferable skills, and understand their responsibilities as members of the global community. This is underpinned by our community's commitment in providing students with a stimulating and supportive learning environment, a broad curriculum and valuable extra-curricular experiences while offering opportunity and giving responsibility.

Why is it important to encourage confidence?

Our students live in a rapidly changing world.

Research suggests they will enter a world where they may have two or three different careers. Confidence for life is future building.

It is developing a pool of skills, knowledge, attitudes and resilience on which our students can readily draw in new or challenging situations. Confidence for life is about preparing

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our students for their futures as responsible, compassionate young men and women.

Tell us about the history of Kellett School.

Kellett School was founded more than 30 years ago as a not-for-profit association by like-minded parents seeking a high-quality, British-style international education, rich in the arts and delivered in a small-school setting.

The growing shortage of secondary places prompted the board in 2007 to establish Kellett Secondary Section, which is currently at a transition campus shared with Elsa High School (Carmel School Association) in Shau Kei Wan. Converted from a disused school in an impressive 144 days, the bright, modern premises boasts purpose-built facilities that are generously staffed and resourced.

Learning is backed by enthusiastic and committed teachers, and robust pastoral care. Based on the National Curriculum for England, the broad and challenging curriculum embraces 21st-century learning with a one-to-one

Any plans for future developments?

Currently all our plans are focused on the development of a world-class through-train education for students aged four to 18 years.

In secondary, years 7 and 8 follow a fastmoving and inter-related curriculum, followed in year 9 by an expansive three-year curriculum that prepares students for GCSE and IGCSE examinations. There are currently places available in years 7 to 10 and we are accepting applications for year 11 which will commence in August 2012. The secondary students will transfer to a new campus in Kowloon Bay in September 2013, with the eldest cohort commencing A Level studies. By 2014 Kellett School will have completed its year-on-year rollout and will be a through-train school.

expansion plans

Tell us about the Kowloon Bay campus.

Kellett is expanding year on year to offer more than 900 additional places in primary and secondary. It is building a new state-of-theart facility on a 9,500 sqm site granted by the government. The new campus will operate in addition to the existing Pok Fu Lam primary school. Together they will continue to offer a distinctly British education, leading to GCSE/ IGCSE and A Levels.

Located 10 minutes from Kowloon Bay MTR, close to MegaBox, the generous site provides for substantial arts and sports facilities as well as supporting a world-class academic curriculum. Designed by award-winning architect Joel Chan of P&T Architects and Engineers, the innovative campus will have a Sky Pitch with a large artificial turf multi-sport area and running track, a six-lane indoor swimming pool and significant indoor sport and performance spaces.

It will also have a state-of-the-art auditorium, art and drama studios, music rooms, as well as modern science labs, Design and Technology AGS FW HongKong_kanganews_93x120_1601_ctp.pdf workshops and extensive libraries.

Giving the building a sense of space are large, multi-functional, sky-lit indoor atrium spaces for both the primary and secondary sections, with outdoor gardens, including a science area and adventure playground, offering a variety of environments for learning and play.

With two forms in each year group, the primary section will offer up to 300 new student places. It will be a discrete and secure learning environment designed to promote a sense of community. The secondary section will have a four-form entry, guaranteeing all Kellett primary

Kellett School

1

students a place. At capacity, it will offer up to 600 places. The secondary section will have four houses providing an academic and pastoral framework, and student year-group "hubs" will allow a sense of progression through the school.

What sets Kellett apart from other schools?

Kellett shares the qualities of all good schools: high-achieving, well-rounded, articulate students with a passion for learning. What sets Kellett apart is its distinct record of high-quality British education and its unique ownership by parents.

A British International School in Hong Kong

Founded: 1976 Pupils: Aged 4-14 years Primary places: 500 Secondary places: 150 (years 7-10) Primary campus: 2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam Secondary campus: 460 Shau Kei 1/16/2012 Wan 11:03:30 Road, AM Shau Kei Wan

Website: www.kellettschool.com PTA contact: Alex Dickson-Leach Teacher-pupil ratio: About 1:13 Note: Kellett is growing year on year so that by 2014 it will offer education from reception to year 13 for children aged four to 18 years.

one leArner support teAcher.

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One student is receiving learning support.

One is not. Bet you can’t tell the difference.

Sai Kung campus opening August 2013 www.hkacademy.edu.hk

Small School, Big Ideas

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family Living with epilepsy

March is epilepsy-awareness month. Clearwater Bay dad Tan Rahman, head of digital with an international marketing agency, reveals what it’s like to live with the condition.

When did you learn about your epilepsy?

I had late stage onset of epilepsy at the age of 32, doctors were concerned the cause may lie in brain damage or a tumour. After tests, there was no obvious reason for why it happened – I was just unlucky. The form of epilepsy I developed has generalised tonic clonic seizures where the body convulses uncontrollably and sometimes leads to unconsciousness. After six months, my doctors found the right balance of drugs and I was able to live a relatively normal life.

At 40, I developed a neurological condition, neurosarcoidosis, with partial seizures, which involved having an aura, blacking out and amnesia. Over two years, doctors brought it under control with different drugs.

How has it affected your life?

You learn to cope. I was a driving enthusiast

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and I enjoyed scuba diving, both of which I miss. My family has no issues with my condition because I don’t complain or obsess about it. My work is generally unaffected. Many epileptics have a short warning period before a seizure, this could be as simple as an uneasy feeling or a part of the body becoming numb. When I sense a seizure coming, I walk to a quiet place, sit down and allow it to happen. Some of my colleagues are aware of my condition.

You take care not to put yourself in a situation that may cause harm should you have a seizure but usually this is not a big problem.

How have you dealt with having epilepsy?

When it first developed, I went through the stages of denial, anger and acceptance. After that, I simply made changes to accommodate it.

Any practical advice for living with epilepsy?

Don’t be afraid, there are many worse things in life. To those that don’t have epilepsy; don’t be afraid of people who do have it.

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ta-da!

Lady of the dance

Give Michael Flatley a run for his money at Irish dance classes in Sai Kung.

Catriona Newcombe whirled into Irish dancing at the age of three in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland.

She was smitten, becoming a festival champion and later studying performing arts and Irish and contemporary dance. As a student, she jumped at the chance to shadow Riverdance’s Michael Flatley, and developed a passion for combining Irish and contemporary dance.

Fast-forward to today and Newcombe has been teaching and choreographing traditional and contemporary Irish dance for 16 years.

She opened Echoes of Erin School of Irish Dance in Sai Kung four years ago for children, and also runs adult classes at Delaney’s in Wan Chai, and elsewhere in Hong Kong.

She has worked as artistic director and performed in the Celtic Connections Concert, featuring Irish songwriter and uilleann pipe player Davy Spillane. And she’s currently rehearsing for the annual St Patrick's Day Ball in the Grand Hyatt.

“Irish dancing is healthy, vibrant, energetic, fluid and elegant,” Newcombe says. “It presents both children and adults with the opportunity to explore dance improvisation and work interactively and creatively with others. It teaches self awareness and a better understanding of one's body and improves coordination, strength and flexibility.

“The classes offer an opportunity to experience an art form using movement to music that will increase confidence and self esteem in an expressive, fun and imaginative way.”

As well as the contemporary version, Newcombe’s school also offers traditional Irish dancing, including reels and jigs, as well as team and performance Irish dancing and even a few ceilidh moves. Newcombe teaches any age group and level of experience, so if you’ve ever been inspired to bust out some Lord of the Dance moves, give it a go.

Rainy days & Mondays Hong Kong’s only Russian art academy, Anastassia’s Art House is on a mission to bring Russian and Western art heritage to Hong Kong through a range of structured art classes for students aged three to 16 years. Run by a team of professional art teachers trained at renowned universities,

the business started in Sai Kung old town in 2006 and now has three premises in Hong Kong, including SoHo and Repulse Bay, and also runs classes at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and Clearwater Bay School. Adult art classes are available in oils, acrylic and drawing, while children have an

Echoes of Erin runs Irish dance classes for children every Thursday at Tina’s Dance Studio on Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, and Tuesdays at Jungle Studio, near Pepperoni’s. Adult classes are held on Wednesday evenings at Delaney’s in Wan Chai. Newcombe also teaches speech and drama classes in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay. For schedules, prices and costumes, visit www.echoesirishdance.com.

array of choices, including art discovery for 3- to 5-year-olds, art explorer for 5- to 8-year-olds, art adventure for 6- to 12-yearolds and drawing and sketching for 6- to 10-year-olds. 9 Hoi Pong Street (entrance on See Cheung Street), Sai Kung, 2719 5533, www.arthouse-hk.com.

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health & beauty Wholly yoga

Adele Rosi tries an ayurveda-yoga mash up.

H A I R

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Brazilian Blowout Mastey Organic Color Silk Morocco Oil Treatment Waxing Manicure and Pedicure Facials Ear Piercing

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Book our popular Brazilian Blowout treatment and receive a complimentary bottle of aftercare Shampoo, perfect for taking care of your new look hair 56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, NT, Hong Kong

Tel: 2335 1694

www.talashairandbeautycentre.com info@talashairandbeautycentre.com

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While the incorporation of yoga into our weekly schedules is now the norm rather than the exception, the path to enlightenment – or at least the ability to stop making mental shopping lists while doing the Downward Dog – may still elude most of us. So if you think that a workshop titled “Yoga and ayurveda: going beyond” couldn’t possibly be for you, think again.

Clearwater Bay resident and Yoga for Life founder Mindy Tagliente has teamed up with Hong Kong-based ayurvedic expert Vinod Sharma to show how their two specialities go hand in hand. Going into greater depth than any previous Hong Kong workshop, the pair show how easy it is for us mere mortals to make use of the disciplines in our daily wellbeing.

“When people have a symptom, they tend to go to the doctor and get medication for that specific symptom but the problem doesn’t always go away,” Tagliente explains. “I always think of the image of a weed: if you cut it at the top, it will just keep growing. You need to pluck it from the root to get rid of it. By using ayurveda and yoga together, we are trying to help people to find the cause of their problems at a deep level and empower them to help themselves.”

In a superficial nutshell – there have been tomes written about the subject – ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that considers the mind, body and spirit all together in the diagnosis and treatment of an illness. As well as external causes, ayurvedic practitioners believe illness may be triggered by an imbalance in any or all of three “doshas”: vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosha is made up of different combinations of the five elements (air, water, fire, space and earth) and they affect all the body’s physical and mental functions.

This is where the ayurvedic concept of the seven layers of digestion comes in. Each layer affects a different part of your bodily makeup – plasma, blood, muscles, fat, bones, bone marrow and reproductive tissue – and takes seven days to work.

Sharma explains, “One of my clients was a yoga teacher. She was teaching till late but still not sleeping. We worked out that she was eating salad before going to bed, which wasn’t right for her, as it gave her more air than she needed. So I prescribed oats, which are heavier and more grounding, and the sleep problem was resolved.”

To this end, the workshops run by Tagliente and Sharma aim to educate and empower participants to take charge of their wellbeing through a complementary combination of yoga poses and ayurvedic remedies and knowledge. It gives students the ability to do it themselves when it comes to general healing.

to ayurveda and beyond

“Anyone can benefit. You don’t have to be a yoga teacher or know about any of it,” Tagliente says. “You just need to be bothered about the long-term sustainability of your health and not be after a quick fix. Today’s lifestyle is so busy. We create problems for ourselves without even thinking about them but we can correct them with herbs you find in the supermarket and with yoga. Once you get into it, it is so easy.”

Workshops will be held from 2.30pm-5.30pm at Estoril Court, Garden Road, Mid-Levels. Yoga clothes should be worn and bookings must be made in advance. For details and reservations, contact Mindy on 9748 4567, mindy@yogaforlife.com.hk, or Vinod on 9120 6419, marketing@ayuryoga-intl.com.

Beauty spot Sabai Day Spa in Stanley Sabai Day Spa made quite a splash when it opened in Sai Kung in 2005 and now its owner, Linda Chuen, is expanding the business with a second location in Stanley. Opening right in the heart of Stanley Market, the new boutique spa will be the first in the area and will offer the full range of treatments, from manicures to massages, featuring products by Elemis and OPI. As well as developing a loyal clientele among Stanley residents, Chuen is expecting to have a larger number of walk-in customers and will be offering an expanded menu of quick treatments, including mani-pedis and foot massages for exhausted shoppers. The grand opening is on March 12, with cocktails from 5pm-7pm. If you would like a sneak peek, please RSVP at Sabai Day Spa, 12A Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2104 0566, www.sabaidayspa.com.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT ON: 2791 2259

Tala’s Hair & Beauty is offering a Monday discount of 10 per cent on haircuts and beauty treatments. And if you book a Brazilian Blowout, worth $2,000, in March, you will receive a complimentary after-care shampoo. The salon recently had a makeover of its own, giving it a roomy reception area and more spacious interior thanks to new fixtures and furnishings. But some things never change, and that includes the tension-relieving head and neck massage that comes free with every shampoo, so that all you have to do is lie back, and sigh.

56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2335 1694, www. talashairandbeautycentre.com.

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pets

nothing but the tooth

Dog breath

Dr Carmel Taylor gets to the root cause of doggie halitosis.

“We couldn’t even tempt Baby with filet mignon,” Mr Tam lamented, prizing open the reluctant Yorkie’s mouth.

“And he has this smell – in here.”

The dog’s breath was overpowering, like something had crawled inside its mouth and died. As I gently lifted his gum, the pintsized pooch struggled and growled.

“Baby, Baby, Baby... NO!” Mr Tam admonished.

The dentition was less Justin Bieber and more Austin Powers (yeah, Baby).

“Mr Tam, Baby has advanced periodontal disease,” I said, pointing out the rotting, tartar-encrusted chompers clinging to the inflamed gum. “He urgently needs a dental, under general anaesthetic so we can remove the rotten teeth, and clean and polish the rest. It really should have been done a long time ago.”

“Well, vets are always telling me to have dentals, but I thought his teeth looked okay, so I just gave him harder food to crunch to help to clean them.”

“Mr Tam, that’s like you telling your dentist that your teeth don’t need descaling because you eat cookies everyday. And you brush your teeth regularly. It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of pets have dental problems by the age of three. That’s why we recommend regular descaling and polishing. If we remove all the calculus in the early stages, we can prevent irreversible periodontal disease, which can also cause damage to internal organs, as bacteria from the gums can spread through the bloodstream.”

“But he’s so old – I’m worried about the anaesthetic.”

“We recommend blood tests beforehand to check his internal organs are okay, I/V fluids and we will be carefully monitoring the anaesthetic.”

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He looked unsure. “I need to discuss this with Mrs Tam – he is her baby too.”

“Of course,” I said. “But please don’t delay; this is a painful and serious condition.”

Later that day, Mr Tam was on the phone: “Doctor, I know what we can do! A friend told me about ‘anaesthesia-free dentals’. What do you think?”

“I don’t think Baby would sit still for this – it’s not exactly… comfortable,” I advised.

“And it can be more dangerous without an endotracheal tube in his throat – all the harmful bacteria could slide down into his lungs and cause pneumonia. Dogs can’t rinse and spit like humans…”

“You are just after my money! It would only take a few minutes to pull out the loose teeth with one of those… plier things!” he shouted, slamming down the phone.

So I was a little surprised to find the dentally challenged Yorkie waiting for me a few days later with a consent form signed for a full dental. Two hours later Baby had baby breath again, and by the time Mrs Tam arrived to collect him at the end of the day, he was tucking into a bowl of kibble.

“Sorry my husband couldn’t come,” she said, smiling. “He has a doctor’s appointment to re-dress the bite wounds.”

Guess pliers weren’t the right solution…

Dr Carmel Taylor MVB MRCVS DipAiCVD is a veterinary dermatologist and consults at many different clinics around the territory. For appointments please call 9251 9588 or visit www. cutaneous.com.hk

travel

Go wild

Not all safaris are based in Africa. Here’s where to watch animals in Asia.

Rhinos and tigers and bears, oh my!

You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy. Welcome to Kaziranga National Park in northeastern India, a Unesco World Heritage site with the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos and highest concentration of tigers. Stretching from the foothills of the Himalayas through the spectacularly beautiful Brahmaputra Valley, it’s open to visitors from November 1 to April 30, when the park

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closes for the wet season. Lucky visitors may glimpse the famously elusive tigers and leopards, but most get to see rhinos, wild elephant, Asian buffalo, swamp deer, and a twitcher’s fantasy of birdlife. Even better, you can ditch the usual jeep and take an elephant-back safari, swaying quietly through the metres-high elephant grass to get up close to the short-sighted rhinos for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Where to stay: Nature Hunt Eco Camp is set in simple thatched cottages

on stilts in a small tea plantation within the park (naturehunttours.com).

Mantas in the Maldives Every July and August, manta rays gather in their thousands to feed on the plankton in Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll. Often joined by whale sharks, these massive rays take part in “chain feeding” frenzies in the constricted bay for an hour or two until all the plankton has been eaten. Amazing photographs of the behaviour by National Geographic helped to attract so many divers and snorkellers that measures are now being taken to restrict visitor numbers. Smart operators such as Maldives Scuba Tours (www. scubascuba.com), which runs liveaboard diving

animal magic Here be dragons If there are dragons – living, breathing, terrifying ones – it must be Komodo. A finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition, this desolate but beautiful Indonesian island and its neighbour, Rinca, are home to the world’s largest lizard. The Komodo monitor can grow up to three metres long and weigh up to 100kg. Fast, ferocious and poisonous, Komodo dragons are famously ill-tempered and attacks on people are not unknown, so keep your eyes peeled.

Thanks to its location between the Pacific and Indian oceans, Komodo National Park also has amazingly diverse marine life, including sharks, manta rays, turtles and 14 species of whales, dolphins and dugongs.

Where to stay: To get there, catch a ferry from Bima in Sumbawa or Labuan Bajo in Flores or go on a private boat. Travel in style on the gaffrigged schooner Silolona, which makes regular “sojourns” to Komodo (www.silolona.com); for a budget option, local company Perama gets decent reviews for its simple fan-cooled cabins (www.perama.com).

Mongolian migration The steppes of Mongolia see a migration on an African scale, when more than a million Mongolian gazelle, or dzeren, travel across the largest intact grassland on the planet. Prettier than the average gnu, the pinkish-brown gazelles have a heart-shaped patch of white fur on the rump. They can reach speeds of 65km/h and leap 6.5 metres in a single bound. Like the people of Mongolia, the gazelles are nomads, travelling about 7,000 miles a year as they forage across the eastern steppes, with part of the population migrating into China in March-April and back into Mongolia in August-October. In JuneJuly, the females congregate in herds of up to 40,000 to calve, finding safety in numbers against predators such as wolves and golden eagles.

Where to stay: Visit Mongolia (www. visitmongolia.com) offers eight-night, nine-day safaris to the beautiful Dornod region to witness the migration. Available from June to October, visitors travel in jeeps across the steppes via Buir Lake, Mongolia’s largest, camping in tents and staying in traditional gers.

Clockwise from above: Baros, the Maldives' first Eco Dive resort; a deadly Komodo dragon; dzeren in Mongolia; one-horned rhinos in Kaziranga National Park.

boats in the area, have hunted down other sites that also attract large numbers of mantas but far fewer human visitors, giving both animals and people more room to manoeuvre. Make this just one stop on your trip: the coral island chain has thousands of amazing, untouched diving and snorkelling sites, many of which also attract mantas, large pelagics and a rainbow of smaller reef creatures.

Where to stay: Combine your liveaboard trip with a few days at five-star Baros island (www. baros.com). At the country’s first designated Eco Dive resort, guests can help survey local reefs, learn to dive, or snorkel the house reef metres from their luxury villa, some of which are built on stilts over the reef.

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gardening

planting Feeling season fruity

Running to seed

Jane Ram sows a new crop of flowers and summer vegetables.

A reader in Repulse Bay enquired about easy seeds for her son to try growing something edible on the balcony. I suggested nasturtiums and rocket as the most likely to succeed, but that was in early February and by now time is running out for soft-leaved “winter” growers. Spinach, lettuce and other leafy greens should do fine, although they will “bolt” fast if the temperature stays much above 25 degrees C for long.

I’ve been looking out for seeds of French beans, okra and cherry tomatoes, all of which should start cropping in containers by early May if I can get them to germinate in early March. My thoughts are already turning to summer vegetables and I plan to try Basella, often called Ceylon or Malabar spinach (libato). It

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will climb several metres on wire netting or canes, but it can be kept as a low, bushy plant by systematic harvesting. Lightly steamed or stirfried, it’s a good summer substitute for regular spinach and the raw young leaves make a delicious addition to salad.

Chillies need a temperature of about 28 deg C before they will germinate, so I’ll wait at least another month before trying the varieties I ordered from specialist growers Simpsonsseeds.co.uk.

Like many small seed companies, it is not licensed to send seeds outside the EU, so I had them forwarded by a friend in Britain.

For easy summer colour at ground level, forget impatiens (rain turns it to mush) and instead try French marigolds (tagetes) and zinnias of all sizes, balsam – I like the small ones rather than the tall ones – salvia and celosia. Sow them in batches every couple of weeks so that you have a succession of flowers. Dead head faithfully and you should have a good show right through the hot weather. The balsam should selfseed and keep going throughout the summer.

In Hong Kong, it is fairly easy to find seeds from China,

Taiwan, Malaysia and other parts of the world, but I find Yates from Australia to be the most reliable.

When you buy packet seeds, look at the expiry date and select from the back of the shelf or bundle as it will be less likely to have baked to oblivion in the sun.

On Hong Kong Island the best-stocked seed shop is probably Wong Yuen Shing at 11 Connaught Road West. Brighten and other shops in Flower Market Road, Mong Kok, have some seeds, and Ma Chun Hing at 9 Tsun Fu Street, Sheung Shui, is worth a visit, especially if you are keen to try organic seeds.

Saturday gardening workshops are held every month in Fanling.

The focus will be on ferns on March 3, an expert shares the secrets of success with flowering gingers on April 14, and on May 5 he welcomes the group to the wonderful world of hoyas. To join, email Jane Ram at the address below.

March garden tasks 1. Cuttings of most shrubs and woody plants will take fairly readily this season if you can protect them from spring thunderstorms. Inspect the bases of all your pots for roots poking out in search of more space. If they are, divide the plants or move them into more spacious pots with as much fresh potting mixture as possible.

2. Check for grubs in lily roots.

3. Indoor and outdoor plants are probably still growing relatively slowly, but a half-strength dose of slowrelease fertiliser will give them a good push into the new season.

Jane Ram is a professional writer with a passion for plants. She has been gardening in Hong Kong for over 30 years and is still learning. Send your gardening queries to: janetaipeng@gmail.com

marketplace

Your guide to shops and services BOOKS

The Reading Room (Sai Kung) 2719-5036 seasidereadingroom@gmail.com

BUILDERS

Yuki International Contractors 9884 5824

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

To advertise, email: ads@saikung.com

Little Hands Workshop 5431-3122 info@littlehands.com.hk www.littlehands.com.hk

Carpet

Brooks Thompson ltd 2851-3665 iqbalhk@netvigator.com

DESIGN

Sai Kung Magazine, magazines and brochures 9811-9526 tom@saikung.com

DINING

Hebe One O One 2335-5515 info@101.com.hk www.hebe101.com Steamers Bar Cafe 2792-6991 steamers08@hotmail.com www.steamerssaikung.com Ambulance Centre 2735-3355

EMERGENCY

Marine Rescue 2803-6267

ESTATE AGENTS The Property Shop 2719-3977 info@thepropertyshop.com.hk www.thepropertyshop.com.hk

FOOD & WINE

Wine Store Info@winestore.com.hk www.winestore.com.hk

GARDENS & LANDSCAPE

Leisure Turf and Landscape Limited 2579-0323 / 9487-4710 LTL@netvigator.com www.leisureturf.asia

HANDYMAN

Marco Electrician & Plumber 6190-8051

National Harbour Renovations & Removals 9085-1886 info@nationalharbour.com.hk

ads@saikung.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 45

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Cambridge Weight Plan Hong Kong 9618-1777 / 9045-5942 www.cambridgeweightplan.hk

Curves 2234-9800 www.curveshongkong.com Lai Hing Lok Foot Massage 6690-3658 rebecachan@yahoo.com www.ablemassage.com Professional Acupressure & Foot Reflexology 9725-3628 hk.myblog.yahoo.com/skreflexctr Sabai Day Spa 2791-2259 sabaidspa@sabaidayspa.com www.sabaidayspa.com Sense of Touch 2791-2278 ask@senseoftouchhk.com www.senseoftouch.com.hk Somatic Pilates with Mira 9102 4975 mira.juntunen@gmail.com www.miranpilates.com Super Natural, nutritional advice 6039 2505 cjonkers@super-natural.info www.super-natural.info Tala’s Health and Beauty Centre 2335-1694 info@talashairandbeautycentre.com www.talashairandbeautycentre.com Weight Watchers 2813-0814 tpaulsen@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk

HIKES

Walk Hong Kong 9187-8641 walks@walkhongkong.com www.walkhongkong.com

HOME FURNISHINGS

Life's A Breeze 2572-4000 info@lifesabreezehk.com www.lifesabreezehk.com

Taipo Home Centre tphc01@yahoo.com.hk www.tphc.com.hk

HOME MONITORING

Easy Monitoring +852 3590 2820 info@easymon.org www.easymon.org

HOTEL

Hyatt Regency Sha Tin 3723-1234 hongkong.shatin@hyatt.com www.hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com

INSURANCE

Kwiksure Insurance 3113-1331 sophie.parkington@kwiksure.com www.kwiksure.com

ads@saikung.com

Sai Kung Tutors

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EasyMon

www.easymon.org

A new level of security and control with easy monitoring See the status of your home on the go and receive sms/email alerts for any alarm.

209�211 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon T: 3590 2820

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Enoch Deco +852 2503 2626 office@enochdeco.com www.enochdeco.com.hk Studio Annetta +852 9849 1216 suzy@studioannetta.com www.studioannetta.com THE XSS Limited 2739-8893 enquiry@thexss.com www.thexss.com

KEYHOLDERS

Keyholder-Services.com 9471-0608 / 2620-1588 enquiries@keyholder-services.com www.keyholder-services.com

MOVERS

AGS Four Winds International Movers 2885-9666 enquiries-hong-kong@agsfourwinds.com www.agsfourwinds.com Elite Movers & Decoration 8209-1793 elite930@hotmail.com www.emdhk.com Crown Worldwide (HK) Limited 2636-8388 hongkong@crownrelo.com www.crownworldwide.com Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566-4799 www.expertmover.hk Warehouse Removals-Local & International Moving service 9125-2611 warehouse_removals@hotmail.com

PEST CONTROL

Biocycle 3575 2575 info@biocycle.hk www.biocycle.com.hk

Christian Environmental Health 2370-9236 a-s-a-p@ceh.com.hk www.ceh.com.hk Hong Kong Ships' Fumigation Co., Ltd. 2891-2730 / 2891-9907 info@hkshipsfumigation.com www.hkshipsfumigation.com

PETS & VETS

Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618-2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Best Friends Veterinary Hospital 2792-8555 Dr Carmel Taylor MVB MRCVS DipAiCVD 2549-2330 www.cutaneous.com.hk Faith International Enterprise Limited www.k9natural.com.hk Ferndale Kennel 2792-4642 boarding@ferndalekennels.com www.ferndalekennels.com

ads@saikung.com

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STRESSED BY YOUR PET?!!!

PET BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS? Hong Kong’s first and only Behavioural Veterinary Practice can help resolve aggression, fear, anxiety, separation related problems, compulsive disorders, inappropriate toileting, noise phobias etc.

Not all behavioural problems are simply training issues.

Dr. Cynthia Smillie BVM&S PG Dip CABC MRCVS

Tel: 9618 2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com

www.petbehaviourhk.com

bird at my window

Large hawk cuckoo aka Hierococcyx sparverioides

Migratory cuckoos arrive in March, including the Asian koel that I wrote about last month and the large hawk cuckoo from the Philippines.

Like the koel, the hawk cuckoo calls night and day. The trisyllabic call, usually rendered in English as “brain fe-ver”, is loud and persistent, and often increases in speed and pitch to a frantic climax.

During the day, at least, the hawk cuckoo tends to remain hidden in the foliage of tall trees. Occasionally, however, it may call from a high, exposed perch when an observer using binoculars can make out its rufous throat and the heavy, dark barring on its white underparts. It has a conspicuous red eye, surrounded by a yellow eye-ring. It is most commonly heard and seen from midMarch to late May, after which it tends to fall silent, although odd birds can sometimes be heard as late as July.

Like the koel, the hawk cuckoo is parasitic. In India and Southeast Asia it is known to lay its eggs in the nests of spider hunters and laughing thrushes. In Hong Kong, where it has increased considerably in numbers since the 1970s, the broodhost remains unknown – an indicator of the secretive nature of this species – although there is a record in The Hong Kong Bird Report of a juvenile being possibly hosted by a common magpie at Kam Tin in July 2004.

David Diskin is the author of Hong Kong Nature Walks: The New Territories. Visit www. hknaturewalks.com or www.accipiterpress. com for more information.

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Pets Central Sai Kung Hospital 2792-0833 info@pets-central.com www.pets-central.com Vet2Pet 6999-1003 vet2pet@yahoo.com www.vet2pet.com.hk

PHOTOGRAPHY

Graham Uden Photography 9195-7732 uden@netvigator.com grahamuden.com

Jackie Peers 9121-1470 jackie@jackiepeers.com www.jackiepeers.com

PRE-SCHOOLS

New Song Christian Kindergarten (Sai Kung) 2791-2472 newsong@netvigator.com www.newsonghk.com Sunshine House International Pre-schools (Clearwater Bay) 2358 3803 www.sunshinehouse.com.hk Woodland Group 2813-0290 saikung@woodlandschools.com www.woodlandschools.com

SCHOOLS

Hong Kong Academy 2655-1111 office@hkacademy.edu.hk www.hkacademy.edu.hk

SPORTS

Hong Kong International Tennis Academy 9048-2810 lea.lai@hkita.com www.hkita.com

Toys

Tickitey Boo / Online store info@tickitey-boo.com www.tickitey-boo.com Hong Kong Toy Club 8216-3870 support@HongKongToyClub.com www.HongKongToyClub.com

TRAVEL

Beach Villa Rental in Cebu 9162-5321 simpson@towermark.com www.cebubeach.net Concorde Travel 2526-3391 info@concorde-travel.com www.concorde-travel.com

TUITION

Ace Ltd. 9306-3967 vandana@aceltd.com.hk Antsmart Learning Centre / Playgroup, Math 2335-1261 tangfrancis@hotmail.com www.playgroup.com.hk Craft Box 9014 3262 Simone@craftbox.asia www.craftbox.asia

ads@saikung.com

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HK Institute of Languages 2877-6160 info@hklanguages.com www.hklanguages.com La Petite France Ltd 2791-0082 www.lapetitfrance.com.hk Private Guitar Tuition 9158-7274 samuli.salmi@helsinki.fi Sai Kung English 6907-2514 info@saikungenglish.com www.saikungenglish.com Sai Kung Tutors 6907-2514 info@saikungtutors.com www.saikungtutors.com Spanish Teacher-Ilsabeth Hidalgo 9043 5105 ilsabeth@hotmail.com Vianne's Music Wonderland Private Piano Course 6014-9389 mschanpiano@yahoo.com www.mymusicwonderland.com

WATERPROOFING

Asian Slate 6075-6694 wgdavies@netvigator.com www.asianslate.com

WORSHIP

Resurrection Church 2358-3232 www.resurrection.org.hk

To list your business in our new directory, or to guarantee a listing every month, please email ads@saikung.com

on patrol...

Keeping the traffic flowing As a police officer in Sai Kung, I receive many comments about traffic enforcement.

Some say there is too much illegal parking, others say police should be more lenient in giving out tickets for illegally parked vehicles. Every day, police respond to numerous reports of vehicle obstruction.

As a member of public, you may wonder if these complaints affect how police enforce the traffic regulation.

The two main objectives for traffic enforcement are to reduce accidents and to maintain the smooth flow of traffic on the road. In 2011, there were 15,360 injuries in traffic accidents across Hong Kong. In Sai Kung (from Hiram’s Highway to Shui Long Wo), 151 people were injured in traffic accidents, fortunately none fatally. However, this does not mean police should be less vigilant. Not all accidents are caused by improper driving, some happen when the drivers’ sight line is blocked by illegally parked vehicles, or when pedestrians run

out onto the road between illegally parked vehicles.

Traffic enforcement is necessary to ensure road safety, which is why we are increasing traffic enforcement in Sai Kung town. When necessary, we also recommend to the Transport Department that railings are installed to prevent illegal parking on a particular section of a road.

There are a few easy ways you can help to maintain smooth traffic flow in Sai Kung

town. Please make sure you don’t leave your car on the road, but park in a carpark or metered parking space. There is parking near the Lakeside Garden, Wai Man Road and Mei Yuen Street, which is not fully utilized. Alternatively, use public transport for a greener Hong Kong.

Senior Inspector Grace Mak Assistant Divisional Commander (Operations) Sai Kung Police Division

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LOCAL Property SHARE ACCOMODATION - SAI KUNG BEDROOM, OWN BATHROOM Beautiful area. Panoramic water and mountain views. Duplex (1400+700 roof).

Nicely furnished.

Large mirrored wardrobe in room.

Broadband/NOW TV. Buses at door. No housework, live-in domestic helper. Friendly household. Share with professional woman. $7500pm 91494104

SEA VIEW GARDEN HOUSE SOLE AGENT $48K / 18.8M 3 Bedroom Family Home with Gorgeous Sea Views, Lawn Garden & Shared Pool.

New Décor, Fully Equipped Kitchen & Great Bathrooms. High Ceilings. 2 c/p.

Convenient Location close to Sai Kung Town. Short Term Lease considered. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656

WATER’S EDGE SOLE AGENT $75K / 32M Unique Waterfront 4 Bedroom Family Home. Stunning location. Extremely rare on the market. Large terrace leading to infinity pool. Great for entertaing. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656

MOTORING

Tuition & Courses

EUROPEAN MOTORS Ltd of Sai Kung, established in 1975 serving the local community for buying and selling quality used cars. Commission sales or cash up front. We have our own workshop and mechanic - as we say - ' we dont just wash them and sell them'! 3 month's parts and labour warranty included with each car. Only good and straight cars, normally with service history to show, dealt with so if selling or buying, please drop by our showroom across the main road from the Police Station or call 9027 4846. Opening hours are flexible / early / late. Paul Gross (English and Cantonese spoken) - since 1975.

(Aug11-Mar12, 1 of 20 used in Sep11)

Maple Leaf Tennis Singapore has arrived. Children’s, Mini-tennis & advanced adult lessons in Sai Kung.

Certified Canadian female tennis pro teaches in English or French 5321-3663 mapleleaftennis@hotmail.com

Home Deliveries Award winning wines from Australia and New Zealand, highest quality, lowest prices directly from the winery to your door! Visit us at www.winestore. com.hk or email justin@winestore. com.hk.

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Overseas Property

Whale watching on Sydney's northern beaches Great opportunity to buy the ultimate city beach retreat. 180 degree direct ocean views never to be built out. 3 bedrooms; 3 bathrooms. wine cellar, gym room and large bar area. 2.2m AUD. Email ccagks@netvigator.com HKG: 852- 903 706 12 SEL: 8210- 4735 0363 SYD: (61)2 9252 2036

PHUKET LUXURY FAMILY APARTMENT. Club Lersuang apartment. Sleeps 5.

Great value. Master bedroom, 2nd bedroom (3 single beds), self-contained, fully fitted kitchen, pool, gym, restaurant.

Visit www.tripadvisor.com and search “Club Lersuang” to see amazing reviews. E-mail: paul_stocker88@ hotmail.com

Luxury Beach Villa in Cebu Island Philippines for rent.(Fully Staffed) 4 double rooms all with bath. 3 direct flights per day from HK. We have a Private chef, New 50ft sailing yacht, 2speedboats, Hobie Cat and more... www.cebubeach.net or contact owner +852 91625321

NEED A HOLIDAY?PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT! Luxury 5 beds villa with swimming pool located in Surin area. Walking distance to beaches.

Reasonable rates! Website:www. phuketvilla4rent.com Email the owner: info@phuketvilla4rent.com

Individual GUITAR INSTRUCTION for students of all ages and levels. An experienced jazz guitarist and tutor enables you to master the guitar with a brand NEW LEARNING METHOD. Please call 915 87274/Samuli for private tuition in Sai Kung area.

PROFESSIONAL ACUPRESSURE & FOOT REFLEXOLOGY: established in 2000, professional training staff. We do provide Door-to-Door service in a very reasonable price. G/F., 7 Main Street, Sai Kung. Reservation: 97253628. http:// hk.myblog.yahoo.com/v

Piano Lesson @ HOME in English/ Cantonese by professional and qualified teachers. Annual Recital in Cityhall. Trial lessons available, visit www.grandpiano. hk for details.

VIANNE'S MUSIC WONDERLAND PRIVATE PIANO COURSE @ YOUR HOME ﹣www.mymusicwonderland. com ﹣Experienced tutor accept students aged 3 and over. Student Annual Recital/ Practical Examination/ Competition/ Theory/ Accompaniment/ T:6014 - 9389 for Trial lesson/ mschanpiano@yahoo.com

Aussie/US educated Personal Trainer with private studio.Specializing in injury recovery/prevention and improving athletic performance. REAL Experience REAL qualifications, REAL results.

Nicks-pt.com or call Nick 9446 9056

ART Classes for all ages above 6.

Small groups of less than 6. Classes of 90 minutes each. Whether you are a beginner or looking for something different. All in a nice homely surrounding in Clearwaterbay with parking and access to public transport. Please call Vandana at 93063967 or vandana@ aceltd.com.hk for more details.

No need to go to Central.....

Cambridge Weight Plan is in Sai Kung and CWB. We help you create an easy-to-manage daily diet plan and provide motivation and support every step of the way. Call our friendly local consultants today! Alison Barnes 9618 1777 Jean Hudson 9045 5942 www. cambridgeweightplan.hk

Services Brandaid Graphic Design and Print Management Whatever your Creative, we can achieve it. Simply email us your requirements, we'll perfect your design and arrange printing if needed. Fast turnaround, corporate guideline precision,quality and value is our profession. Contact Brandaid for an obligation free quote on 8170 2911 or 6390 0433 or email ask@ brandaidglobal.com.

Specialising in roofing/ waterproofing, residential home renovations and landscaping.

Chimney cleaning service available.

Call Geoff 6075 6694 email: wgdavies@netvigator.com www.asianslate.com

Need Storage?

From a box to whole House Low Cost Storage Humid Control Start from as low as HK$500per month Collect & Delivery Call Today : 2578 1865 www.expertmover.hk MOVER* HANDYMAN*STORAGE Local & International Relocation, Packing, Materials Supply Cargo Collection, Custom Clearance, Disposal. Storage (Short or Long Term), Professional House Painting All sort of Handyman Works All-in one Professional Service at Lowest Rates Call 25664799, www. expertmover.hk Computer Repair - Professional, friendly computer specialist available to help with any computer related problems at home or in the office.

Call Jan Boshoff 6403 6623, jan@edgetechnology.net.

WWW.KEYHOLDER-SERVICES.COM For peace of mind use KeyholderServices while away from Hong Kong.

We will conduct regular checks and related services, call outs, emergency repair, liaison with alarm companies/ police. See Website for full range of services Or call Jeff on 94710608 or email enquiries@keyholder-services.com NEED TO MOVE? Call Warehouse Removals for a free quotation. We have over 15 years of moving experience with English-speaking staff. No job too small.

Local / International / Office / Disposal.

Call 2789 2205 / 91252611 or email warehouse_removals@hotmail.com" FOR FULL HOME RENOVATIONS Painting, Plumbing, Carpentry, Floor tiling, Electrical work, Ceiling repair; call Yuki International Contractors & Engineers for free quotation.

Our staff are fluent English, Cantonese & Japanese. Tel: 9884 5824

TRAVELS

Employment

Charities / Community

Monika.Dubaj Australian family moving to Saikung in March 2012 seeks live in domestic helper to care for a 20 month boy and perform household duties. Looking for a caring, responsible, energetic person with self initiative. Must have experience with children/expat families and references. Contact Monika on +65 9781 3725 or mdubaj@singnet.com.sg.

People Bereaved by Suicide (PBS) An English-speaking support group meets first Wednesday each month, 8pm, at the Mariners’ Club, TST. Free, confidential. Further information, tel 28960000 or check http://www.

Samaritans.org.h

WONDER-WOMAN WANTED: Have you got PR & Marketing experience? Are you interested in eco friendly products? Have you got a can-do & friendly attitude? Interested in morning work part time? Then you might be the person we're looking for! Interested parties email info@bangconsortium.com. hk for more information PART-TIME NAT TEACHERS experienced, energetic & innovative for our baby & mum classes, creative writing classes on Sat and weekday am/pm for our Ma On Shan branch. Send resumes to: info@englishcastle.edu.hk or call: TEL: 2631 3661www.englishcastle.edu.hk A busy ENGLISH CENTRE located in Ma On Shan (near Sai Kung) is looking for PART-TIME WEEKEND NET. Interested parties, please email resume to info@indigocentrehk.com.

Staff Wanted @ Hebe One O One. Full / Part Time Waiting Staff. Please send resume to recruit@101.com.hk or call Steve on 2335 5515.

Health & Well Being Massage @ Home, Hotel Body massage, Chinese Tui Na, Swedish Massage, lymphatic drainage & aromatherapy massage. Our therapists offers mobile (outcall, housecall) service $700/2hrs (text in Chinese Address & speak in Chinese 66903658 www.ablemassage.com

Local and china guide available, twenty five years experience. Call George 97717530. Anywhere in Asia including mongolia. Burma in the near future. Tailor made, Licenced.

Nutritional questions? Ask a professional for sensible advice based on daily-life nutrition. Contact Christine (cjonkers@super-natural.info or 60392505) at Super Natural for honest advice or visit www.super-natural.info.

CONCORDE TRAVEL CONSULTANTS – Leisure Travel specialists since 1978 See www.concorde-travel.com Tel: 2526 3391 Licence No 350343

Energize your body and calm your mind with SOMATIC PILATES. Please call 910 24 975/Mira to book a private or group session in Sai Kung area. Please see www.miranpilates.com for details.

2896 0000 The Samaritans 24 hour Multilingual Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Problems? Depressed? Lonely?

Desperate? Need an empathic, nonjudgemental listening ear in complete confidence? Bereaved by Suicide? We facilitate an English speaking monthly support group. Please call 2896 0000 or email: jo@samaritans.org.hk German Kids in Sai Kung Provide your children and toddlers with German language activities for their age, contact our Sai Kung German parents community for playgroups, lessons, and more. Contact: Uli, u.gast@egdshk.org Enthusiastic tennis players of all abilities sort!

Mondays and Wednesdays 9-10 at Sai Kung courts-near the swimming pool.

Keep fit and meet new people at the same time. Just turn up and have fun!

URGENT! DOG FOOD SPONSORS Sai Kung Stray Friends We have approximately 35 dogs are on our daily "meal supply".

The cost $2,222 every 8 days.

If you would like to donate to help please deposit directly into our a/c: HSBC 004640085486001 Receipts can be issued.

Much appreciated!

REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER Give a few hours of your time to Sai Kung Stray Friends.

If you want to do something worthwhile come and help at our holding facility in Sai Kung. Any day or time suitable to you. Various tasks, sweeping, cleaning, dog walking, paddock Mum or just providing some love to the dogs.

Dads are welcome too for mowing duty!

Email: saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com Call Narelle: 9199.2340 (English) Jessie: 9097.4591 (Chinese) DONATE CLOTHES, SHOES, BOOKS, toys and electrical appliances in good condition. Reach out to help the poor and disadvantaged men, women and children in our communities. All profits help the needy in Hong Kong and mainland China. Collection hotline:

VOLUNTARY POSITIONS NEEDED Sai Kung Stray Friends *Kennel Carer - 1 or 2 days per week *Weekend Sai Kung Homing Team *Fundraising Director *Website director *Daily Meals on Wheels delivery roster *Rescue & Desexing Join us in our local community initiative to help our beautiful animals.

Email: saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com Call Narelle: 9199.2340 (English) Jessie: 9097.4591 (Chinese) DONATE OLD BABY CLOTHES, toys and equipment to mothers in need. Small toys, wraps, bottles and teething toys are desperately needed

by Pathfinders, a charity for that helps migrant mothers find a safe and legal home. Call Kylie: 9460 1450 or Luna (Chinese speaking): 5135 3015.

RESURRECTION CHURCH COMMUNITY CHOIR. Enjoy singing?

Classical, contemporary or jazz?

This is the community choir for you!!!.

Every Wednesday in Resurrection Church. Pak Sha Wan 7.30 pm – 9pm.

Be trained by an expert voice coach and concert pianist. Interested, drop us a line RXchoir@gmail.com SAI KUNG WATERCOLOR SOCIETY: Locations around Sai Kung town, villages and country park. Watercolour, drawing, or other medium. All levels welcome. Free, just bring your own equipment. Meetings will mostly take place on Saturday mornings once or twice a month. Please see www. hkcolours.typepad.com/ or contact Laetitia at saikungcolours@gmail.com NEW SONG CHRISTIAN KINDERGARTEN Sai Kung T: 2791 2471 F: 2791 2477 Email: newsong@netvigator.com Website: www.newsonghk.com

Domestic Help Seek fulltime job,with the experience in western and chinese family withe 7 yrs in hongkong my former employer is living hongkong if you are interested you can call me in my no#94406877,thanks.

Experienced Cantonese-speaking and Mandarin-speaking nanny .

Good moral character and childcare knowledge . Qualified teaching background . Available to start in September . Please call 6181 3365 or email: eviefan@hellokitty.com

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back page

Last Orders Film studies

“In the beginning was the word.” So opens “The Name of The Rose”, the convoluted and virtually unreadable first novel by Italian author and renowned dilettante, Umberto Eco. The screen adaptation on the other hand, is a masterful piece of work that counters the popular notion that the book is almost always better than the film. Such a claim will be fully debated this month at the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival and the inaugural Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival. Competition between cinema and literature has always been fierce but let’s hope the clash of events will not lead to a full-blown fistfight between delegates.

Movies often misrepresent their literary sources. For instance, Sherlock Holmes’ catchphrase, “Elementary, my dear Watson”, was written by a screenwriter and not by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Even director Danny Boyle’s faithful adaptation of “Trainspotting” changed the original context when it was released in the US with accent-free dialogue.

But what best epitomises the coercive influence of film over literature is the hijacking of perfectly good book jackets by gaudy movie stills and the vulgar sales pitch “Now a major motion picture”.

For a recent example, look no further than “The Help”.

March sees the Hong Kong release of “The Iron Lady”, a film that sets out to distort not fiction but fact. Recounting the life of former

British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher through a series of flashbacks, the narrative style lurches from Shakespearean tragedy to “Rocky V”, while the acting, despite several awards, is uninspiring.

Predictably the film fails to properly assess the Thatcher years or chart the consequences of her economic polices. Instead the personal dramas of her life are played out against an essentially Thatcherite take on history.

Portrayed as the underdog hero of the Falklands War, Sylvester Stallone in drag might have been a more convincing choice of American actor than Meryl Streep in the title role.

The most important film release so far this year may be a 40-second U-tube clip starring four urinating US Marines and three Afghan fighters with non-speaking parts. As an inevitable consequence of war, this sort of incident probably happened at Agincourt, definitely occurred during World War I and was comprehensively documented during Vietnam.

It is indicative of the power of the moving image that this footage is now a significant part of the growing body of evidence calling for a political solution to the latest Afghan conflict.

Violent oppression continues unabated

photo competition

in Syria without the inconvenience of CNN cameras, Arab League observers or the UN. By controlling the flow of images, even a regime as brutal and unapologetic as the Ba’ath Party can remain in power and continue to commit war crimes with only the occasional Security Council veto from their two remaining allies.

But is time ultimately running out for President Bashar al-Assad? The slightly goofylooking former ophthalmologist took over the reigns of the Syrian state from his father as if it were the family pub. Maybe the producers of “The Iron Lady” can help him out with his current image problem. So look out for a late entry in this month’s film festival, where the Syrian president is depicted not as a secondgeneration despot but as a hereditary wizard struggling to rid his country of evil provocateurs.

“Ally Assad and the Philosopher’s Stone” now a major motion picture, although you may prefer the book.

Iain Lafferty

shoot for it

Submit your shots Here at the Sai Kung Magazine office, we love receiving beautiful pictures of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay from our readers. Each month we publish the best ones. To enter, simply email your best shots of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, along with a brief description, to photo@saikung.com.

Happy snapping!

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This Month’s Winner: Dan Clothier